Monday, March 19, 2012

While on a quilting break - I returned to my regularly scheduled program of making clothes, in this case some panties. I enclose the picture for muslin purposes only. I cut out a medium - using a jersey knit for a muslin. Result: Ridiculously too big.

Please ignore the awful execution - I sewed them for muslin purposes only to check sizing. I made them using Kwik Sew 3881, the hipster version (middle of the column on the right). Horrible on my hips - so I'm headed back to the drawing board for alterations. I will also check the stretch content. Perhaps my jersey had a bit too much stretch (I believe this pattern calls for 25% stretch). I cut the M but seemingly a S or XS may be appropriate. On positive note - these go together really fast.

I am studying execution styles for undies once I get these right. Apparently, according to Singer's guide to sewing lingerie - there are three techniques you can use to sew these - "in the round construction" and "flat construction."

If I ever get these right perhaps I'll post my trials and tribulations with each methodology.

If anyone wants to recommend supplies - I'm all ears. I'm merely using plush elastic from my local fabric store.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

I've finished piecing my quilt top - I hope to assemble it for quilting today.

Well, I didn't really follow the directions - which were fairly simple. I also made this lap quilt a bit longer for sitting on the couch - it always seems that lap quilts are too short.

One item I didn't do well (and it's not in the directions) - is that I should have "trued" my 14" quilt squares. I didn't think to do it - I'm a quilting luddite, apparently. This made some of my seams on the quilt top not quite matching. Once it's quilted I don't think it will be noticeable - except by me.
I realized it on block 7 of 15. I could have opened the quilt up - but I'm a lazy quilter.

In my mind, perfection is the enemy of good. This affects my entire life I think. Perfect people are really irritating. I delay many projects and writing because I am afflicted by this need for perfection. I'm certainly not perfect myself in my personal life. For example, I can't find my keys at least once a day. I'm completely unorganized and messy, generally. Although I pride myself on logic - I am not a linear thinker.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Yes, I said it! I'm doing it. A quilt. It was on my New Year's Resolutions list. I never thought I'd make one again but somehow I've become roped in with the wonderful fabric from Moda, Big Apples and eyes toward a modern quilt pattern.

I've spent a week sorting Jelly Rolls, Charm Squares and cutting pieces. I forgot how long this portion takes to finish. Below is the backing:

This is the quilt pattern I've downloaded from the Fat Quarter Shop - I'm only making a longer lap quilt - mostly due to laziness, I think . . . . plus any quilt on the bed will suffer depreciation from both our Kerries. This is a modern quilt and I am dying to making something really fun and newish. I am starting with a pattern but want to make one of my own soon.

One cool tip - I received my ASG Los Angeles newsletter and it has a link to The Scientific Seamstress' Blog and Template Download. Look what I downloaded for free onto cardstock: two templates for a hemming pattern. Wonderful - I can't wait to use them - I have jeans to hem this weekend!

Have a great weekend - on my next post hopefully I'll have the top done!

Happy St. Patty's Day (in advance) Corn Beef and Cabbage for all this weekend!!

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About Me

I live in Southern California and am enjoying my remaining, P - Pixie, a Kerry Blue Terrier. I teach and practice environmental law. Otherwise, I see myself as a writer, a vintage inspired seamstress, knitter, avid cyclist, and reluctant DIY crafter and quilter. Please contact me at pammieellen at gmail dot com to be in touch!